Aileen's Song (13 page)

 

This is about us.

Coming from Liam, four simple words possessed the power to reverberate through Aileen's mind; they slipped beneath her skin and awakened her senses. Battling need, she paced the length of a burgundy area rug positioned before Liam's couch.

“Us.” She spoke quietly, hesitant to allow complete vulnerability. “You say that word, and I wonder if you realize its impact on me.”

Seated on the couch, a foot crossed over his knee, Liam stretched an arm along the back of the couch. Aileen longed to fill the empty spot next to him—to snuggle in and tuck close. Instead, she spun on her heel, needing to think—and express herself.

“We've been us for close to two decades, Liam. Part of you has lived inside me since I was a little girl. I cherish you, but I've never known what to do about the way I feel. I've never believed in any form of reciprocation on your part.”

“So you held back.”

Though his statement in no way condemned, Aileen turned to face him, and she arched a brow. “So did you.” She folded her arms protectively against her midsection. “That's what my song was about tonight. I know perfectly well how much you care for me. I know we're the greatest of friends. But…but…”

Aileen recognized an emotional danger zone, but the words tumbled free, unable to remain blockaded against the deepest dream of her heart. So she continued, mindless of anything but pouring free and finally being revealed. “I'm so tired of fighting against what I feel. That's why I took the step, and that first terrifying leap. I hope and pray my emotions won't be ripped apart in the process. I love you, Liam Douglas. I've always loved you.”

At that point, she sank onto the couch, carefully apart from the man who stared at her in a building silence. While he ingested her words, while she figuratively laid herself at his feet like Ruth in the Bible, Aileen craved one thing. Resolution. That was the word Liam had used tonight, and it fit. Whether she ended up with a broken heart or not—Aileen needed answers.

So, she tempered her tone and posture, gazing steadfast into Liam's faultless, clear green eyes. “If you don't feel the same, I promise we'll find a way to keep what we have, but I want to know how you feel. There's no other way I'll be able to move on.”

Aileen bowed her head. She swiped at the tears that beaded along her lashes and forced herself to regain control. A gentle touch, from large, lean fingertips swept the fall of her hair across her shoulder, revealing her face to Liam's view. He quirked a finger beneath her chin and lifted her head until their eyes met.

“Can you give me a minute?” he asked. “I'll be right back.”

Confused and off-center, Aileen craned her neck to study him. Liam's smile spread, slow and magnetic. She caught her breath, wondering what on earth she had unleashed, and where the rest of this conversation was headed.

While she waited for Liam's return, an ache spread from Aileen's tummy to every receptor in her body. It didn't take long. When he returned, he carried a plain white envelope that looked a little dim—a little timeworn, and she noticed her name was scrawled across the front. Liam held it toward her; though puzzled, Aileen accepted the envelope and turned it over, her eyes questioning. Liam simply waited in silence.

The sealed flap came open easily beneath the glide of her fingertip and Aileen extracted a single page of plain white paper, filled by Liam's bold pen strokes. The note was dated five years go.

Aileen ~

You've graduated from Westerville High. In just over a month, you leave for college. Is it wrong for me to admit that I hate to see times change? That you're a constant in my life I hate to release to the future?

Soon you'll be in New York City. Hundreds of miles away. Beginning your life. Commanding the stage with that fantastic voice of yours. That's just as it should be. Still, the closer that date comes, the more I hate it. Why? Because I miss you already.

Before you leave—before those changes I dread come rushing at us and take you away, I want you to know how much you mean to me.

You've always downplayed your force and impact. My advice as you head to college? Don't do that anymore. Live up to the potential of a personality that shines with God's light and love.

You have your Father's eyes Aileen. You have His heart as well. Use that power, but as you do, please come home often. Text me. Send emails. Don't leave out a detail, and don't let physical distance be a deterrent to something we've shared from the time we were kids—love.

Most of all, never doubt that you go forward with my heart, my respect and my admiration.

Liam.

Aileen could no longer breathe in a steady rhythm. Overwrought, her tears poured. She lifted a hand to cover trembling lips, re-reading the words again—and again. It was so perfect—so him.

“I wrote it so long ago.” His quiet voice filled the void. “I meant to give it to you before you left, but the timing never felt right. Maybe I was afraid.” Words trailed off, but the love in his eyes intensified. “I should have known all along that God knew when and how this needed to be given…and received. These feelings have been a part of me for so long, but just like you, I had no idea what should come next. Back then, it seemed best to brush everything to the side. The world was waiting for you. But when you came back, everything fell into place.” Liam stroked her cheek with the back of his fingertips. “I guess that's the other lesson I've l learned. Never put God in a box, because nothing delights Him like breaking through whatever confines we place on Him. He loves to take us by surprise.”

While he spoke, while he caressed, Aileen clung to a simple white piece of paper. This letter was a precious treasure she would preserve forever. In its words came his voice—a beautiful voice—honoring and revering all their yesterdays, and full of hope for all that would come in their tomorrows.

“I love you, Aileen. Forever—and always.”

She didn't even attempt restraint. She launched into his arms, and they fell against the side of the couch, laughing and joyful.

“Forever and always I love you, too!”

Liam swept her into a kiss that was all too brief, but filled her with magic and carried her away completely.

 

 

 

 

14

 

A two-week whirlwind passed, filled by every moment Liam could spare to be with Aileen. Meanwhile, he awaited word from on high about a final decision as to whether Zion's Peak would sign Sisters in Spirit.

Unable to wait any longer to start the next chapter of his life, Liam stood within the elegant confines of Patrick's Jewelers. The store was a Westerville institution. He shuffled from foot to foot, fingertips unsteady when he extracted a credit card from his wallet and slid it across a glass display case. He peered at the salesperson who assisted him with his purchase. “I'm only doing this once, so the ring has got to be perfect.”

“Understood, sir. Believe me; you've made a wonderful choice.”

Liam's heart thumped hard as the sales clerk finalized his purchase. He wanted to take Aileen's breath away when he proposed, and he prayed the gorgeous piece which was now nestled inside a white padded box would accomplish that task.

With a small, rope-handled bag in tow, he exited the store, grateful for the blast of cold air, the delicate brush of snowflakes against overly warm skin. Tonight, plans were set to for him to share a romantic dinner with Aileen at Giovanni's. He had reserved a small room at the back of the restaurant where photos of Italy hung from the walls, and the only light came from small brass sconces and votive-style table candles.

Perfect.

He was so lost in thought he jumped when his cellphone vibrated then began to chime. Reaching into the breast pocket of his suit coat, Liam checked caller ID and instantly froze in place. It was Dan Ruthenbeck, CEO of Zion's Peak. That could only mean one thing…the answer must be in on the recording contract.

“Hey, Dan… How are you…?” The conversation didn't take but a couple of minutes—Dan was a busy man, orchestrating the mechanics of an entire record company—but a couple minutes was all it took. Liam listened attentively, responded with professional decorum and ease. But the instant he hung up, right there in the middle of Main Street in downtown Westerville, he let out a victorious whoop and pumped his fist, spinning in a quick circle while he laughed—and completely rearranged his plans for the evening.

 



 

Aileen had indulged in a mani-pedi in preparation for dinner with Liam. Relaxing on the couch in her great room, she sipped from a large mug of tea and wiggled her toes, admiring the bold hue of red, bright and shimmering. Just like her outlook.

A hard knock at the door broke the silence of her apartment, and Aileen jumped, not expecting a visitor. She slipped her feet into a pair of nearby flip-flops and padded to the entrance.

A quick check of the peephole made her gasp. Liam? He was almost an hour early. She was wearing a thick, pink terry robe for heaven's sake, and once again, he was catching her without a lick of makeup!

She yanked open the door and scowled at the wide smile that split his face. “Liam Patrick Douglas, I'm nowhere near ready yet!”

He didn't seem to care. He spun past. Catching her hands, he pulled her inside and deftly kicked the door closed. “Forget dinner for now, Ailee. We're in! We're in!” She stared at him, lost. “Zion, Aileen, work with me here!” Liam laughed and sputtered. “I got the call just as I finished at the jewel….” His eyes went wide. He coughed. “Anyway…Dan wanted to let me know the offer's been drafted. Sisters in Spirit has earned an album contract, complete with the support of a twenty-city, North American tour! They were astounded by the reaction you received at the Westerville Theater and apparently, Dan put the legal department to work right away drafting the terms. You're going to need an agent. You're going to need a lawyer as well. I can look out for matters to a degree, but—”

Aileen sank to the couch in a heap. All rational ability had been drained away by flashes of disbelieving joy, of hope and anticipation. She continued to stare, so, Liam calmed his diatribe. Concern etched the lines of his eyes and mouth while he catalogued her reaction to the news.

“Oh, holy night.” The lone sentence was about all Aileen could croak. Her brain, her body, had shut down…except for the solitary focus she maintained on the man she loved.

Liam sat next to her and tucked close, protectively it seemed. “They want to present the contract Monday morning. From there, you'll be given the time to have it vetted by whomever you wish.” That bone-melting smile of his returned. “So, what do you say, Brewer? Think you might be free to take the meeting?”

“I suppose it could be arranged, depending on my fellow Sisters, of course.”

Her playful smile and sassy wink made him laugh, as hoped. She was starting to absorb the truth, and although she was still stunned, she pressed a hand against her chest and released a victory whoop.

“Oh, just wait until I tell them!” She launched from the couch, dancing across the floor. “We did it!”

Liam followed, sweeping her into his arms so they could dance together. Their laughter mixed and filled the air. “Before you call the others, can I just say something?”

Aileen sighed elaborately. “I suppose so. I mean, until I'm too famous to be bothered and everything…”

A howl of laughter met that remark. “Yeah, like you'd ever be that self-absorbed, even when you
are
all rich and famous.”

Aileen giggled and fluttered her lashes. Oh, how she loved flirting with him.

“Here's the thing.” He stuffed his hands deep into the pockets of his slacks. “In my opinion, there's only one thing that would make this moment even better.”

“What's that? Having the girls join us for a celebration dinner? I don't think so. I'm playing the selfish card for once. I want you all to myself.”

“Couldn't agree more.” He delivered a long, mysterious look. “Speaking of dinner…”

“Furthermore, incredible news or not, don't even
think
about cancelling, buster. I put mani-pedi time into this romantic date of ours.” To emphasize, she flashed her hands. Liam caught one. Her left one.

“I intended to wait on this…but I just can't. The moment is simply too perfect, and it's meant for the two of us alone.”

Puzzled, Aileen huffed. Judging by the happy sparkle of his eyes, her reaction was just what he expected…and wanted.

“Liam, by the law of everything that's sacred, you'd better tell me what's going on.” Aileen waited impatiently, narrowing her eyes.

Hands up, Liam surrendered. “OK, OK. First, why don't you try this on for size?”

He un-pocketed a ring case and flipped it open smoothly with one hand, awaiting Aileen's inspection. She froze, she gaped, her mouth hung open. The ring was stunning. A large, center diamond was surrounded on each side by two smaller stones. She gasped, reaching out…pulling back…reaching out…afraid to touch the exquisite piece of jewelry.

Jewelry…

It dawned on her. That was the word Liam had stumbled over. Evidently, he had just purchased this beauty, intending to propose to her at dinner tonight. Aileen dissolved, melting body and soul into the love of the man who stood before her, silent and waiting. Best of all, he wanted to be hers…for a lifetime.

Tears poured down her cheeks.

The offering was radiant, casting an everlasting rainbow of vibrancy, a solid reflection of the love they shared. Once she dared to stroke the stones and band, Liam edged the gift just out of her reach. “Oh, I'm sorry. Forgot to mention. You have to answer a question first.”

Aileen trembled, pressing her free hand against quivering lips.